Topic: I adjusted the main needle clip one position...

[ksmith0034]

I've been living with a bit of a flat spot in the throttle around 6000 RPM since I built this bike, and finally decided to do something about it.  After doing some research I decided that, based on my 836 kit, pods, current jets and exhaust setup, I needed to move the clip on the main needle one position. 
Now in case you haven't heard, pods are IMPOSSIBLE to tune!  Well, that's not exactly true, because I finally have mine at about 95% perfect.  There is a very faint flat spot around 6500 RPM, but it's barely perceptible.  In fact, I would argue that the only way to get a better tune would be on a dyno, which I can't justify spending the money on.
I made a little video showing some of what I did, and the test ride after.  Take a look, and subscribe if you want to see more.

 

[ChopSticks]

Great video, do you have the original audio? would love to hear the bike running

[ksmith0034]

I had microphone problems on that ride and the audio was too overdriven to use.  If the weather cooperates tomorrow I’ll try to get some clean audio.

[PeWe]

Impossible to tune?  I agree with you, possible and needed when looking for more power that need more air. The airbox has really small air ducts.
Nice video and good looking bike!
The needles are way too lean! Stock has middle position. Your bike need 4:th from top.
So it is not strange you have a flat area. Risk your engine is running lean when cruising around

Mine with 836, cam Action Fours ss-1, ported head with 34mm inlet valves , 4-1 and pods like yours.
It ran really well and a perfect tourer. My std K6 carbs easier to jet than my Mikuni VM29 Smoothbores.

It gave really nice power around 6000 rpm where it woke up with a nice roar making it impossible to not ride beyond the speed recommendation signs
Needles 1 step richer, 4:th step from top.
Pilots std 40
Mains were really rich on mine. I should start with 130 and continue up until it will not wake up when releasing the throttle a little at full speed on 5:th gear.
Spark plugs NGK D8EA
I have never had any kind of issues due to pods on my CB750.

It looked as this back then (now as my avatar)
1:st 2009 when I brought it back home from a long sleep in a barn
2:nd direct after it got the 836 package and complete restore/updates.

(I did not care about the ugly GS850 front blinkers and headlight ears that could have been better.
CB750 could not look like stock in the end of 70's and early 80's when I started to adjust mine. Early 80's white seat was wow. Left the seat to a shop making interiors for cars, boats etc. This was needed since it had holes after some minor crashes.)

[Yamahawk]

Actually, pods are very possible to tune, if you are using cable-slide carbs. Only the CV carbs with the vacuum actuated slides are hard to tune, as they pull vacuum from the airbox plenum, and the pods don't give this, and are affected by crosswinds, etc.... I like carbs that have needles with clip positions, and are easy to tune lol. I am going to trash the CV carbs on the 1986 Kawasaki EX250 Ninja that I am building for 250 class racing and install a couple of Keihin PWK type carbs instead. THEN I will use pods lol.
Nice looking bike, but the way!
Charlie